Scorpions Drummer Jailed For 'Insulting Islam'

The drummer with German rock band Scorpions has been sentenced to a month in jail in Dubai after being arrested for "insulting" Islam and offensive behaviour.

James Kottak was arrested at Dubai International on April 3 as he was travelling to Bahrain, where he was due to perform at the Formula One Grand Prix race, according to Gulf News.

He has been in prison ever since.

Based on time served, the US citizen is due to be released within the next two days.

According to Gulf News, ground staff at the airport testified that Kottak, who was drunk at the time, refused to travel with a group of Pakistani and Afghani passengers.

He "started swearing", criticising "non-educated Muslims", and flashed his middle finger at Pakistani passengers, The National newspaper reported.

The papers said Kottak had admitted having drunk alcohol but denied other charges.

Kottak's defence lawyer, Hamid Al Khazraji, called on the United Arab Emirates - of which Dubai is part - to amend its alcohol laws so that travellers are not arrested after drinking on a flight.

The heavy metal and hard rock band was formed in 1965, but Rudolf Schencker is the only one of the five current members to have been part of the original line-up.

They are reported to have sold up to 100 million records worldwide.